Abu Dhabi: To commemorate Emirati Women’s Day tomorrow, a press conference was organised in the capital today to celebrate the contributions of Emirati women in their country’s progress.
Gulf News spoke to emiment Emirati women on the ocassion of this landmark day.
Salama Al Mansouri, a 30-year-old who works as an administrator in Abu Dhabi Police, said: “Shielding Emiratis and the wider nation from potential risks that threaten their security is an achievement on its own. As an Emirati woman, I take pride in the fact that I work for the police sector as it is one that ensures building a safer UAE every day. The decision of having a day devoted to commemorating Emirati women has further instilled a sense of patriotic fervour in me. Thanks to our great leaders who continue to exert efforts towards ensuring that credit is given where it’s due and that women’s efforts in the UAE will never go unnoticed.”
Huda Saeed, a Ministry of Interior representative, said: “Despite the common ‘stigma’ attached to the military field — that it is primarily for men — I can attest that Emirati women have succeeded in altering that perception. Not only are there a lot of women serving in UAE’s military services, but many of them have been able to move up the hierarchy and attain senior positions, which is a testament to UAE’s efforts in promoting gender equality in the workforce. It substantiates that an Emirati woman is capable of moving forward, regardless of the job’s nature.”
Fatima Al Mansouri, 34, a pilot in the UAE’s Defence Force, said: “I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for dedicating August 28 to honour Emirati women. Sometimes, one needs a bit of encouragement to continue excelling and the Emirati Women’s Day certainly is a step in the right direction to ensure that one’s enthusiasm, passion and love for their professional career continue to flourish. Emirati women have been able to acquire a fine balance between their personal life and career, an aspect that they need to be recognised for.”
Ibtisam Al Mosaabi, administrator in Abu Dhabi Police: “I have always played the role of a mother, a father and also a working woman. I firmly believe that Emirati women have asserted their abilities in excelling in all of the UAE’s fields, whether it’s military, education or even ministries. If you compare 2015 to the 1980s, you’ll realise how far women have come and how much they have been able to accomplish. Emirati women are pillars of our society; they are our nation’s backbone. Needless to say that all the thanks goes to our encouraging leaders, especially Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak who was with us every step and supported us all the way.”
Maisoon Mubarak is a trainee at Gulf News
